gem

[jem]

noun

1. a cut and polished precious stone or pearl fine enough for use in jewelry.

2. something likened to or prized as such a stone because of its beauty or worth.

   His painting was the gem of the collection.

   Synonyms: pearl, jewel, prize, treasure

3. a person held in great esteem or affection.

4. muffin.

5. British Printing.,  a 4-point type of a size between brilliant and diamond.

verb (used with object)

gemmed, gemming 

1. to adorn with or as with gems; begem.

adjective

1. Jewelry.,  noting perfection or very high quality.

   gem color; a gem ruby.

gem

/ dʒɛm /

noun

1. a precious or semiprecious stone used in jewellery as a decoration; jewel

2. a person or thing held to be a perfect example; treasure

3. a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 4 point

4. a type of small sweet cake

verb

1. (tr) to set or ornament with gems

Other Word Forms

• gemless adjective
• gemlike adjective
• gemmy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gem¹

1275–1325; Middle English gemme < Old French < Latin gemma bud, jewel; replacing Middle English yimme, Old English gim ( m ) < Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of gem¹

C14: from Old French gemme, from Latin gemma bud, precious stone

Example Sentences

There are gems aplenty about subjects besides Webster.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“There are so many house treasures, unsung gems, all over Los Angeles,” she said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whether she chooses to stay in Franklin Hills for the rest of her life or packs up everything tomorrow, she’ll always keep an eye out for hidden gems — just like at the flea market.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One elected politician arguing the alternative case predicted a "wee gem" of a debate where the leadership would need to work harder than usual to get their way.

Read more on BBC

To him we are indebted for such gems as “Launch was awesome!!” and “Listening to Sting on my ipod.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hardware 
• jewel 
• jewelry 
• masterpiece 
• ornament 
• stone